How Michael Bloomberg Works

The gist

1. Bloomberg made himself indispensable at 26 by arriving early and staying late, building a close relationship with the managing partner that accelerated his career.
2. He sold to Merrill Lynch before the product existed, then used real customer feedback to improve it, rather than waiting for a finished version.
3. Bloomberg kept bets small with limited downside, starting with one 100-square-foot office and expanding only when specific opportunities proved viable.
4. He hired by letting people jump in during a crisis and watching who rose naturally, only formalizing roles after the team had already decided.